Library transformation starts with a ‘BAM’

The plans will reaffirm the library’s position as the heart of the Hull Campus, creating an inspirational place to work and study. BAM will refurbish 16,000 square metres of the eight-storey facility as well as providing new facades and mechanical and engineering services. The library will be kept operational throughout the project, with consideration given to the needs of all those who use the library resources and the building itself. Enabling works start this month, with the main scheme getting underway in November and completing by Easter 2014.

The project is aiming for an internationally-recognised BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating for sustainability. BREEAM is the world's foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. BAM will hold suppliers days to attract local labour as well as using apprentices from the area. The contractor, which has offices in Leeds, has a rich history in Hull. It built St Stephen’s shopping centre in the city and is currently on site with Humberside Police headquarters.

University of Hull Librarian, Dr Richard Heseltine, said: ‘We are delighted to announce BAM as our main contractor on this exciting and transformational project. We have been impressed with the company’s track record on other projects, particularly on projects which involve the maintenance of public services during construction and look forward to working in partnership with BAM.’

Construction director Kelvin Pollard said: ‘BAM is delighted to bring this impressive and historic library to the forefront of modern design and technology. This major project will benefit the local economy and will ensure the library remains operational throughout. When complete, students will benefit from lighter, airier spaces that are more conducive to study and better equipped for modern learning.’

Further information:

• University of Hull, Sian Alexander or Claire Hughes, 01482 466361;
• BAM Construct UK, Mark Slattery, 01442 238415.

About BAM

BAM Construct UK has seven regional construction companies along with its own design and engineering practices, a plant firm, its facilities management business, and a property development arm. It is part of the international Royal BAM Group which is behind buildings such as the last stadium to host the FIFA football World Cup, and the new NATO headquarters. BAM’s operations are listed in the top ten largest in the UK and its approach is to known to be client and quality focused, with an emphasis on bringing local benefits to the communities and economies around its projects. It is high in three national rankings: Britain’s Greenest Companies, Britain’s Best Companies to Work For, and is a gold status company in the CR (Corporate Responsibility) Index. Its turnover is over £900 million and it employs more than 2,000 people directly and many more indirectly through its supply chain.

About the University of Hull

The University of Hull is an institution with a long heritage of academic excellence and is rich in tradition. Established in 1927 as England’s fourteenth university, it received a Royal Charter in 1954 and has campuses in Hull and Scarborough.

The University has an illustrious history which includes pioneering developments in science and engineering, health, business, humanities and social sciences as well as performing arts. The University today is a vibrant and future-oriented institution, recognised for excellence in learning and teaching as well as a commitment to research, enterprise and engagement. The University is known for its friendliness and high student satisfaction as well as the employability of its graduates.

The University regularly features in the top bracket of national teaching quality league tables and has consistently performed impressively in the National Student Survey, reflecting the high premium the University places on the quality of student experience. Staff and students frequently win prestigious national and international awards and accolades. Hull is currently placed among the top 350 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

Research and enterprise are core academic activities of the University. Amongst its most well known achievements are the discovery of liquid crystal displays and the bone density scanner which revolutionised the detection of osteoporosis, both of which were featured in Eureka UK's list of ‘100 discoveries and developments in UK universities that have changed the world’. The most recent Research Assessment Exercise revealed that 80% of the University’s submitted research is of international standard in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

For more information visit: www.hull.ac.uk